We’ve all heard at some point in our lives that something needs to be done in the “proper way”. Maybe it’s how we cook a meal, maybe it’s how we tie a tie, or maybe it’s even how we engage in our post-pooping techniques. Whatever it is, there are some things that are deemed sacred in how they’re performed.
For example, when one thinks on how to watch a horror movie, one of the biggest suggestions/recommendations/requirements (whatever you want to call it) is that the film should be watched in as near total darkness as possible. Preferably, the only source of light should be the TV itself. But what happens when the urge to watch a horror movie strikes at 2pm on a Saturday and the sun is shining brightly through your blinds?
Well, in my opinion there’s nothing wrong with popping in that movie right then and there! After all, just because it’s daytime, that doesn’t mean the movie can’t still affect you. In fact, some fantastic horror movies take place either during the day or have lots of terrifying segments when the sun is still in the sky.
So, let’s talk about these movies! I’m going to list a few movies that still creep me out even if I watch them during the day and then I want you to share some of yours with me in the comments!
Halloween
John Carpenter’s slasher is a classic for a very good reason. Hailed as one of the very best around, the film that brought Michael Myers to life is terrifying in that it takes its time building up to an explosive third act. Every minute of the movie oozes with dread and suspense, making it a movie that will always give me goosebumps no matter what time of the day I watch it.
The Shining
Nearly every segment of this film takes place during the day. It’s only really in the finale that the terror comes bursting out of the darkness, when the Overlook Hotel seems to loom and stir like some awakening monstrosity. Just thinking about this movie gives me the heebie-jeebies.
Night of the Living Dead
True story: The first time I watched this movie, it was a beautiful Sunday afternoon in summer. There was this gorgeous cerulean sky with white puffball clouds lazily floating, being urged along by a gentle breeze that carried the scent of flowers and trees. One of those perfect summer days that you dream about in the dead of winter.
So, clearly it’s the perfect day to watch a horror movie, right? I popped this in to see what all the fuss was about and, approximately 90 minutes later, I was practically shitting myself. I’m talking pure paranoid fear was coursing through my veins. I was looking out the window into the trees in our backyard to see if any zombies were shuffling and shambling towards our home. I was trying to figure out what to do about the rooms that had door walls. I’m not joking when I say my reaction was akin to those who freaked out about Y2K and the apocalypse that was attached to it. To this day, the movie still unsettles me to the core.
